Save Article

Saudis’ Economic Dreams Falter as Western Executives Quit Conference

JP Morgan’s Dimon among a host of executives pulling out of Riyadh’s premier business conference

Turkish officials say a team of alleged Saudi assassins apprehended and likely killed a Saudi journalist in Istanbul. The Saudis have denied any involvement but Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since he entered the Saudi Consulate on Oct.2. Photo: Getty Images

Saudi Arabia’s dream of becoming an investment hub in the desert is unraveling.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive James Dimon on Sunday became the latest prominent executive to back out of the kingdom’s premier business conference amid questions about the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mr. Dimon had been a featured speaker, and his bank has longstanding ties to Saudi Arabia and is advising it on deals.